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Tamesa is looking to the future and preparing for a world
where students will bring their own technology to the classroom.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tutors Daphne
Robson and Dave Kennedy have eight years of experience in exploring technology
enhanced learning delivery. They teach Programming Precepts to first year
Bachelor of ICT students, which gives them the perfect environment to explore
better ways of engaging students in interactive learning.

In earlier stages of the research, the tutors handed out
tablets connected to wifi to their students. The latest stage of their research
has substituted a suite of touch screens that are networked, which allows work
to be shared. The results are looking promising

Around every 10 minutes, learning is punctuated by a
practical exercise to emphasise a particular concept. The students can draw
diagrams, symbols and equations on their own screens.

Anonymous examples from anyone in the class can be selected through
the networking system and the example used on a screen at the front of the
class. "First we look at the correct answer. Then we might look for different
strategies or mistakes," Kennedy says. "Why is it wrong? That question requires
a higher level of understanding."

The benefits of the more technological approach over
traditional methods is that different examples of work can be shared and examined
in real time. The students are more engaged because the style is more interactive.
They receive immediate feedback on their work and they learn from others'
efforts as well.

"The quieter students are more easily included. In a normal
situation, the more confident students at the front answer all the questions. With
networked touch screens, any student's work can be selected as an example," Robson
says.

The researchers presented their findings at mathematics
education conferences in Melbourne and Kiama, NSW last year. They are currently
comparing tablets and touch screens but the next stage of the research will explore
Use Your Own Device. "There is no stopping it," Kennedy says.But one thing that doesn't change is knowing the
right questions to ask to stimulate thinking, whatever the technology. "The questions
are the sort of questions we used to ask before. It is existing content but the
new pedagogy is the interactive-ness."